Great tips, and so right on that there’s no substitute for trying wine.

Here’s how I apply that concept to choose wine in a restaurant when I don’t know anything that’s on the list.

1. Pick a direction (or ask your server). Are you feeling a red or white? Bold, medium, or light bodied? A specific varietal? Just narrow it down a little.
2. Look for wines in your preferred category that are sold by the glass. This is important — it tells you the restaurant already has those bottles open. Pick one or two options that look promising.
3. Ask your server to give you a taste of one or two options. You can then pick a winner with confidence.